cotton

I really enjoy wearing a layered look made of one or more transparent fabrics. And a post by Annieloveslinen made me realise that I wanted to do something on this theme. What does Transparent mean? It could mean this, from … Continued

This is the first time I have designed a dress through the modelling on the stand approach. In fact it is probably the first dress I ever “designed”. I have made patterns to my own design before but generally these … Continued

One of my popular posts was how to look elegant in bad weather, as it addressed how to dress in London most of the time. Conversely this post is only relevant in the UK for ten days a year. Or so … Continued

Some of my all time favourite T-shirts come from Primark. Made in Romania or Poland these cotton with Lycra T-shirts are a tight fit (which I like), wash and wash without shrinkage or piling. Normally £2-£3 each, they come in … Continued

This week I almost finished my white Nina Ricci overblouse – its my second outing for this pattern – I already made a green one. It was still quite hard work, but slightly easier this time. I am disappointed that I … Continued

One of my favourite bloggers – from whom I learn a great deal – is Luixe who writes The Genealogy of Style. He is a prolific, thorough blogger who comments on modern art, literature, fashion, photography and music. He has … Continued

This post is dedicated to Mrs Mole, who asked for detail on how to do a lino block printed textile. I am delighted to help and warmly welcome any requests or suggestions for blog posts. This technique is very simple … Continued

The Tessellation project has been really good fun, but now I want to make a piece of fabric for a blouse, skirt or dress. I am inspired by the work of Roger Fry and Duncan Grant at the Omega workshop. … Continued

Have you ever bought an item from a charity shop because you like the fabric, and then remodelled it into something completely different? Recently I bought some nice old embroidered antimacassars from Cancer Research. Antimacassars used to be draped over … Continued

My fabric history I was brought up surrounded by cloth. My father, and his father before him, were involved in the Lancashire cotton industry. Rainshore Ltd, Overtown Rd, Nordon, Rochdale, stared off weaving ribbons on narrow looms, later moved onto bleaching … Continued